THE END OF JUNIOR YEAR, MAY 2009

Elena Gilbert strode into the kitchen with a confidence only a seventeen-year-old cheerleader could have, her ponytail swinging with each step. Her eyes had zeroed in on the coffee pot like a heat-seeking missile, and she had began to reach out when Aunt Jenna's hand shot out, blocking her path.

"Not a chance, Elena. If your mom finds out, she'll kill me," Jenna paused, "And you."

"Come on, Aunt Jenna," Elena's voice dipped into a practiced whine as she tilted her head, her ponytail sliding dramatically over her shoulder. "Just half a cup?"

"Save it, Gilbert. Puppy-dog eyes won't work here," Jenna said, grinning as she poured herself a mug and stepped back.

Before Elena could retort, a cheerful voice chirped from behind her, "Cute pony! You make that look way too easy, mine never stays that tight."

Elena jumped and spun around, her hand flying to her chest. "Quinn! God, you can't just sneak up on people like that!"

Quinn Donovan stood in the doorway, her blonde hair gleaming in the morning light as she grinned unapologetically, "Sorry, couldn't help it. But seriously, you look great. Meanwhile, my ponytail makes me look like I'm coaching middle school volleyball."

Elena rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered, "Please. You look adorable in that uniform."

Quinn sauntered over, bumping her hip against Elena's, "You mean we look adorable in our uniforms."

Jenna leaned against the counter, watching their banter with an amused smile, "Are you always over this early, Quinn?"

"Pretty much," Quinn replied easily, already rifling through the cereal cabinet. "You guys always have food."

There was an uncomfortable pause as the rest went unspoken, Kelly Donovan's absence in her children's lives becoming more and more apparent each day.

Elena quickly laughed, shaking her head whilst jokingly asking if Matt was going through another growth spurt.

Quinn snorted as she selected a box of cereal and pulled it off the shelf, "Well, he's eaten us out of house and home, so either that or he's gonna get fat."

The truth, though, was a little more complicated...

There was never enough food in the Donovan household. Not with Vicki constantly raiding the pantry for snacks and Matt needing 'fuel for football' or whatever.

But Quinn didn't dwell on that, instead pouring herself a bowl of cereal and sliding onto a stool at the counter.

"Did you at least get a hot shower this morning?" Elena asked, leaning back against the counter her girlfriend sat at.

Quinn grinned, "I did! I'd almost forgotten how amazing hot water feels."

Jenna raised an eyebrow, a little concerned as to whether this was a dramatic statement typically associated with teenagers, or something more truthful.

Jenna hesitated, before reminding her gently, "Quinn, you know Miranda and Grayson wouldn't care if you wanted to shower here. You're family, and apparently practically live here anyway."

Quinn hummed thoughtfully, a little embarrassed, spooning cereal into her mouth. She jokingly replied, "Well, as long as I don't have to pay rent, I'm in."

Just then, Miranda Gilbert stepped into the room, her heels clicking softly on the hardwood floor as she answered, "Never, Quinn. You know you're always welcome here."

Her warm smile made all three women in the room immediately smile back as Miranda greeted, "Good morning, girls!"

"Morning, Mrs. Gil— I mean, Miranda," Quinn corrected herself quickly. Miranda had been trying to get her to drop the formalities for a while now.

Miranda crossed the room to kiss Elena on the cheek. "How are my favourite girls today?"

"Great," Elena said, leaning into her mother's touch.

"Even better now that I've discovered your cereal stash," Quinn grinned, holding up her bowl like a trophy.

Miranda laughed softly, "I'm glad someone's enjoying it. Have you had breakfast yet, Elena?"

"Not yet, but I'll grab something before we leave. Promise." Elena gave her a winning smile, but Miranda wasn't buying it.

"I'm trusting you," Miranda said, wagging a playful finger.

Quinn shot Elena a pointed look. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she eats."

Miranda's gaze softened as she watched the girls. "You both look so cute in those uniforms. Hold on, let me grab the camera."

She picked up the old family camera from the counter, fiddling with it for a moment before gesturing for the girls to pose.

Quinn and Elena snuggled close, their matching uniforms a bright pop of colour in the morning light. "Okay, one serious photo," Miranda instructed.

Jenna leaned in, grinning. "And then at least three ridiculous ones."

Quinn and Elena burst into giggles, pulling exaggerated faces as the camera clicked. For a moment, the warmth and laughter felt endless, wrapping them all in a bubble of simple joy.

Elena glanced at Quinn and couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude. Junior year was ending, and life felt like it was speeding up. But mornings like this reminded her that some things—the best things—were worth holding onto.